We believe it’s important to clarify the differences between carpets and kilims, so you can appreciate and choose appropriately if you’re interested in this product. In fact, in our circuits, it’s common to include a visit to a workshop-loom to closely observe the textile masterpieces created by their artisans. For example, during the day or days we visit Cappadocia, one of the ‘cradles’ of this art. Or during the free time you’ll spend in the Grand Bazaar.
Structure: The Key Difference
The main difference between carpets and kilims lies in their structure. And, as we’ll see, the rest of the differences stem from this. First of all, it’s worth remembering that these fabrics (like any other) are composed of rows of vertical threads (warp) and horizontal threads (weft).
But the first and fundamental difference between carpets and kilims is that in the former, knots are added to the warps, which gives them greater thickness than normal fabrics and, therefore, makes them more suitable for floors. These knots are what is known as pile and can be made of wool, cotton or other materials: some are more refined like silk, but others are more rudimentary like goat hair or camel wool, especially in rural areas. In contrast, kilims have no knots, so they can be considered the basic and simplified structure of a carpet.
Thickness, freshness, hold
As can be deduced from the above, kilims are lighter, while carpets are thicker and heavier. Therefore, the latter insulate better from the cold floor and are considered more suitable for solemn environments, while kilims are often reduced to the private and everyday sphere.
A consequence (and therefore, difference) of the above is that kilims are often preferred in environments where a certain freshness is sought, for comfort reasons. But at the same time, they tend to lose their position more easily, due to their own lightness. In contrast, a heavy carpet will tend to fix to the floor with greater stability, without wrinkles and without movements.
Designs
While not an irrefutable maxim, carpets usually have more elaborate designs, due to the use of more threads and the solemn or refined environment where they are often used (palace halls, places of prayer, etc.). In contrast, kilims usually have a simpler geometric design, with simple bands or less complex compositions, which are compensated with bright and striking colors, although not always.
On the other hand, Turkish carpets are characterized by such a great compositional variety that they have even been categorized according to their designs: in Europe, for example, they were popularized by renowned painters (Lorenzo Lotto, Hans Holbein the Younger) in their paintings, as they added a touch of refinement and elegance to the composition.
Price and Availability for Tourists
From all of the above, it follows that kilims are usually cheaper than carpets. Moreover, they are more suitable as a memento or souvenir, not so much because of the price but also due to a detail that is not at all trivial: their ease of transport and storage in a suitcase or in luggage to be checked on the plane. In contrast, carpets are more difficult to carry with you, so the purchase of one should be accompanied by a shipping service to your home.
In any case, above all these differences between carpets and kilims, there is one major common aspect: many of them are still crafted by hand, often by women on traditional looms, such as those you will see in person on our tours.
